Austrian-Turkish writer takes on Sarrazin

Published on 1 March 2012

Less than 18 months after it was published, German economist Thilo Sarrazin’s scathing essay on failed efforts to integrate migrants, and in particular Turks, in Germany has met its match in Austria. If Die Presse is to be believed, Wir kommen (“We are coming”) by 25-year-old Austrian-Turkish author Inan Türkmen is like “an angry Turkish uprising.”

In a self-assured and deliberately provocative text, the author responds to Sarrazin and takes issue with attempts to make the Turkish community a whipping boy for Austrian integration. As Die Presse explains, he then goes on to enumerate five reasons why Turkey’s influence in Europe is growing -

Turks are younger, more ambitious, and more numerous and their economy is growing more rapidly. Turks are better. […] In his book, Türkmen portrays a booming and vibrant Turkey that has many lessons to teach Europe. For example: the percentage of women executives in Turkey is six times the European average, prosperity has increased in Turkey more than it has anywhere in Europe, and as a general rule the Turks have more drive.

Receive the best of European journalism straight to your inbox every Thursday

Interesting article?

It was made possible by Voxeurop’s community. High-quality reporting and translation comes at a cost. To continue producing independent journalism, we need your support.

Subscribe or Donate

Are you a news organisation, a business, an association or a foundation? Check out our bespoke editorial and translation services.

Support border-free European journalism

See our subscription offers, or donate to bolster our independence

On the same topic